Featured in the Media – Page 5 – Asia School of Business

曾经弹无虚发的神枪手，如今不敢再拔枪；曾经温和的丈夫，如今因小事而暴怒；曾经活力的妻子，如今沉默如冰……

导致他们“失常”的，可能是一次重大事故、职场霸凌，或长期的精神高压造成的心理创伤。

身体的伤，看得见；心里的伤，隐蔽、难以察觉，不仅会击垮当事人，更会像涟漪般扩散至家庭。我们该如何识别这些信号？政府、公司组织又该如何给予协助，降低员工遭受心理创伤的风险？

在职场上，无论是站在前线的军警、消防拯救人员、人道救援成员、重症监护人员、社会工作者、宗教中特定职位的工作者甚至是办公室里的白领、工厂里的蓝领，都有可能因为工作期间经历或见证极度紧张或恐怖事件，如自然灾害、暴力事件、严重事故或攻击（遭遇性侵、霸凌），而留下心理创伤，甚至严重至患上创伤后应激障碍（PTSD，又名创伤后压力症候群）。

然而，需要被看见和治愈的，不仅仅是受创伤的当事人，家属或照顾者亦是隐形受害者。

亚洲商学院（Asia School of Business）组织行为学副教授王怡人和研究团队的后设分析（Meta-Analysis）研究显示，职场上的心理创伤不仅会冲击当事人，连带可能影响其家庭的心理健康，首当其冲的往往就是最亲密的伴侣、子女或者照顾者。

照顾者痛苦“共情”

这项研究项目始于王怡人在美国就读博士班期间，初衷是了解美国军人家庭的压力状况。过程中也发现无论是面对生死一线的军警与医护人员，甚至是在办公室里遭受霸凌、性骚扰的白领员工，他们所经历的心理创伤，都会间接的传递给伴侣及家庭。

研究也进一步发现，即使伴侣或照顾者并未亲身经历或目睹有关的重大冲击场面（如战场上的生死离别，急诊室里惊心动魄的抢救，在会议室里被上司羞辱），但他们会因为“共情”与“照护”受创伤的当事人（“我爱的人正遭受某种不合理、不公平或痛苦的对待”），心理健康所受的危害程度与痛苦指数，可能不亚于甚至等同于遭受创伤的当事人。

王怡人指出，这存在两种可能：

●亲密关系发生变化：

当一个人经历创伤后，其行为模式会发生根本性改变，可能出现易怒、警惕、逃避或麻木等症状。这些变化会直接影响家庭氛围、沟通模式和亲密关系质量，间接损害伴侣和家人的心理健康。

●同情心疲劳：

伴侣在不断倾听、安抚和提供情感支持的过程中，会持续消耗自己的同情心和心理资源。这种过度付出虽然有助于受创者的康复，却也让伴侣自身处于高度脆弱的状态，最终可能导致其出现严重的心理问题。

这并非危言耸听。

双威医疗中心临床心理治疗师魏爱灵受询时透露，“很多人会因为他们感到焦虑、忧郁或沮丧而来求医。但在谈话中我们慢慢发现，其实一部分的原因是和他们的家庭，或者另一半可能经历了一些事，导致他们的情绪也受到影响。”

不同角色的扮演

企业、国家、领导者、主管在职场创伤扮演的角色：

◎组织/企业：

当职场成为创伤的源头，企业无法置身事外，这不仅是出于人道考量及照顾员工，更与企业的长远发展息息相关。

王怡人指出，员工心理健康与企业实则同舟共济，忽视员工心理健康，对企业本身就是一种巨大的损耗。“如果一个优秀的员工因心理健康问题影响留任意愿或工作表现，企业将不得不投入更多成本重新招聘和培训。”

因此，投资于员工的心理健康，等同于投资于企业的稳定性与未来。

投资心理健康=投资未来

她主张，若工作环境可能面临高度的职业灾害和职业创伤风险，企业或组织领导层需建立强大的安全网络，例如招聘时列出工作特征让应征者考量、提供训练，确保前线工作者更有意识地应对潜在挑战；其次，定期评估员工心理健康状况，营造心理安全的环境和沟通机制，让员工感受到被倾听、被重视。

除了关怀员工心理健康需求，亦可将关怀延伸至员工的家属，其他措施包括推动如弹性工时、弹性工作地点、主办心理健康讲座等措施以提升认知、破除对心理创伤的污名化等。

◎领导人与主管：

王怡人分享一起本地案例：一名警消人员在某次任务后出现严重的恐惧和反抗行为，其妻子经过长时间的陪伴和倾听才得知，他当天目睹了极具冲击性的现场。由于缺乏同事、主管和组织层面的及时心理支持与干预，该警消人员出现了PTSD反应，长期处于极度不安状态，严重影响工作表现。

她强调，主管和领导者应接受系统性培训，学会倾听、介入并提供支持，而非将员工的求助视为个案或特殊情况。

构建心理安全感文化

魏爱灵补充，主管和领导者可以构建心理安全感的职场文化，鼓励员工自由表达意见，不必担心因犯错或坦诚困境而遭受指责或影响职业发展。

她观察到，越来越多的公司意识到营造心理安全环境的重要性，值得注意的是，必须学会平衡。

她解释，一些人会误认为过度强调同情和帮助他人会影响工作效率，“心理安全感的目标并非牺牲工作表现，而是促进更有效沟通，增强团队成员间的同理心和相互理解。”

疫后至今，她接获不少企业邀请，为员工普及心理健康知识、提供压力应对指导甚至处理心理问题。她认为这表明企业对员工心理健康的重视程度正在逐步提升。例如，她所在双威医疗中心就为员工提供免费的心理健康相关支持，甚至惠及员工家属。

◎政府：

王怡人表示，相较于生理层面的职业灾害和意外风险评估，包括大马在内的许多国家和地区，在心理健康方面的法规仍相对不健全或缺乏，这导致员工心理健康的照护，目前完全取决于企业的意愿。

要从根本上解决问题，或许可倡议政府立法明确企业在保障员工心理健康方面的责任，搭配监督机制及合理适当的资源分配，以强化对职场心理健康的重视。

自行采取自下而上

“如果国家未能自上而下地推动，企业很容易就会认为员工的心理健康问题‘不关我的事’或是觉得既然政府没有强制要求，自己‘何必操劳这些’。因此，若能由政府率先制定法规并有效推行，提升公民意识，无疑是最有效的方式。”

倘若法规的制定速度落后于社会风气和需求，她认为民众可采取自下而上的草根行动，积极倡导和推动从而影响企业，促使其关注并改善员工的心理健康。

小心保护你的心

魏爱灵表示，在高压工作环境中，工作者需采取多方面措施保护心理健康。

首先，维护个人私生活。这意味着确保工作时间不会侵占个人时间。她表示，下班后如果只是感到疲惫，只想看电视、吃饭睡觉，那么心理健康很难得到维持。因为高压会导致身体产生压力荷尔蒙，长期累积若得不到释放，将逐渐影响生理健康。因此，需要通过一些减压方式如运动、培养个人爱好来释放这些荷尔蒙。

其次，建立支持系统不可或缺。这意味着拥有可以沟通、倾诉的对象，甚至在需要时能获得实际帮助。例如，当工作压力过大无法照顾孩子时，能有人伸出援手。这些看似小事，却对心理健康助益良多。

先麻木再爆发

对于曾遭遇心理创伤甚至PTSD患者，魏爱灵指出，当局者迷，比较难以自我察觉，“有时候创伤并非即时显现，你可能会先麻木一段时间，之后才爆发反应。你会疑惑为何几个月前的事情现在才有如此大的反应。”

正是这种延迟性，导致当事人极难自我察觉。此时，身边的“局外人”如家人或朋友的观察和一句简单的提醒，例如“你好像有些不一样了”或“什么事情影响到你”，或许就能如同警钟般起到关键的提醒作用。

此外，她也指出，时间并不能自行治愈心理创伤，特别是PTSD。例如，因为工作环境有毒或与老板冲突而遭受心理创伤并更换工作的人，即便在新环境面对“小事”，仍可能感觉“回到了之前的状况”，这正是因为他们的“情绪容纳之窗”变窄，必须加以拓宽，有的人接受药物治疗、有的选择心理治疗，也有一些人选择什么都不做。

【自·救·指·南】

●关于当事人：

打破沉默，进行沟通并寻求帮助。魏爱灵表示，沟通是重要的预防方式，在事情恶化前，家人之间坦诚地交流彼此的感受和观察，能为可能到来的风暴铺好缓冲带。此外，家庭以外的社群支持，可在当事人孤立无援时，提供情感慰藉和实际帮助。

●关于照顾者：

“你要照顾别人之前，要先把自已也先照顾好。”王怡人指出，照顾者必须清醒地认识到，感到疲惫、焦虑甚至急躁，都是正常的身心反应。她建议照顾者要正视“同情心疲劳”，允许自己有疲倦和急躁的时候，并适度调低“我必须为他负责”的道德枷锁，给自己喘息的空间。因为研究也显示，一个耗竭的照顾者，无法为任何人提供有效的支持。

一点就炸或彻底躺平

有没有发现，在现实生活中，遇到事情发生时，有的人“一点就炸”，却也有的人“彻底躺平”，这或许与性格无关，而是与“情绪容纳之窗”（Window of Tolerance）变窄有关。

魏爱灵指出，每个人的情绪波动都存在“情绪容纳之窗”，其宽度受个性、成长背景和经历影响。

当心理健康且富有弹性时，即使面对挑战，情绪也能原有的“窗口”内（例如30公分）波动，意味着我们能有效管理情绪，正常生活。例如感到不开心但不至于逃避，生气但不至于过度争执或陷入焦虑、躺平，这都属于健康的范围，能正常工作和学习。

情绪容忍度降低

然而，当一个人经历创伤或长期压力会使大脑自动收窄这个“情绪容纳之窗”（例如收窄至20公分），当事人对情绪波动的容忍度随之降低，情绪稍有超出便可能出现两种极端反应：

（1）反应过激：

持续高度警觉和亢奋，表现为焦虑、情绪失控，甚至与人争执；

（2）反应过低：

表现出极度的麻木、抽离和回避。

例如，创伤前能处理5项工作任务，创伤后面对同样任务量可能感到“不行了”，随即陷入争吵或逃避，影响工作表现。此时就要重视自己的心理，或积极向外要求救援

Originally published by Nanyang Siang Pau.

July 10, 2025. Shanghai – As the global higher education landscape continues to evolve, the EMBAC Asia Summit 2025, a significant gathering of the world’s foremost leaders in business education, was held at CEIBS Shanghai campus from July 9-10.

Organised by the Executive MBA Council (EMBAC), the summit convened a diverse group of academics, business leaders, senior executives and industry figures to examine critical challenges and emerging opportunities at the forefront of management education, and explore the innovative practices shaping its future.

During her welcome address, CEIBS President Wang Hong stated that current changes in the global business landscape are profoundly reshaping corporate expectations of leadership talent, necessitating accelerated transformation of executive degree education. She pointed out that CEIBS has been a proactive innovator in management education, and is committed to navigating these challenges through three strategic pathways: Translation of frontier scholarship into practical application; Global dissemination of distinctive Chinese insights in management; and Leveraging digital technology to enhance institutions’ pedagogical capabilities.

Highlighting CEIBS’ current development of its next five-year strategic plan, President Wang emphasised that guided by the principle of “Internationalisation, Innovation, and Impact”, the school will continue to step up effort in eight strategic initiatives: Reinforce CEIBS’ top-tier position; Exemplify CSR education; Expand CEIBS’ world-class faculty; Create signature research areas; Diversify CEIBS’ programme portfolio; Bridge China and Europe; Accelerate AI application; and Empower CEIBS alumni.

CEIBS is committed to becoming both the definitive “China expert” within the global management education community and the definitive “global expert” supporting Chinese enterprises in their internationalisation efforts, she added.

“Internationalisation is fundamental to CEIBS’ identity. We remain committed to our role as a bridge fostering collaboration in global business education. Looking ahead, CEIBS stands ready to work with partners worldwide to build a shared knowledge community, cultivate the next generation of innovative talent, and collectively shoulder the defining responsibilities of our era,” President Wang concluded.

In a keynote speech entitled “Global View of Executive Degree Educations: What Does the Data Say?”, EMBAC Executive Director Michael Desiderio emphasised that the summit aimed to deepen community connections and deliver unique value to the global business education through collective expertise.

He pointed out that business school students today seek more than traditional knowledge. Instead, they increasingly expect business schools to serve as a powerful catalyst for profound personal transformation and becoming a “better self”. This focus on personal growth, he argued, is reshaping the core value proposition of business education.

Turning to preferred learning formats, Mr. Desiderio noted that while face-to-face teaching is still a primary instruction method, hybrid teaching is now the second most offered, showing schools are moving to meet the changing market needs.

“Robust data illuminates the path forward. Platforms like the Asia Summit are crucial for stakeholders to crystallise actionable insights for the future of business schools through candid dialogue and shared experience,” he said.

Following this, CEIBS President (European) Dominique Turpin delivered a keynote speech entitled “Trends impacting Asia and Beyond” during which he outlined four key macro trends currently shaping global business education.

First, a rebound in global applications driven by growth in demand for domestic and specialised programmes. Second, shifting student mobility patterns: geopolitical factors, cost, and policy are increasingly critical in influencing student choices of study destinations. Third, the decline in interest in the US as a study destination among Chinese candidates, with China remaining, along with India, a top global source of international students. Fourth, evolving skill priorities: cultivating a global mindset is no longer a top priority for employers, as proficiency in AI and strategic thinking rise sharply as desired future skills.

In response to rising challenges in global business education, Prof. Turpin highlighted CEIBS’ proactive steps, including the launch of Global Master in Management progrmme (MiM), increased investment in international marketing and communications, and deepened partnerships with other leading global business schools.

He also emphasised Asia’s growing importance as a destination for international students. “Asia will remain attractive for global learners. China is too big to be ignored. Second, China’s competitiveness and innovation models all over Asia are another reason for students to come to understand new business model and new activity. Third, there’s a growing need for Asian companies to diversify geographically and go global, with a global mindset,” Prof. Turpin said, calling for the global education community to engage with China to witness its dynamic innovation across industries.

To ensure the continued advancement of business education, Prof. Turpin called for business schools to adapt strategically, build strong regional influence, adhere to international standards, and pursue innovation in pedagogy and collaborative models.

Following this, Lu Xiongwen, Dean of the School of Management at Fudan University, delivered a keynote speech titled “The Chinese View of the MBA/EMBA Education Market” during which he reviewed the history and current landscape of business education in China, noting that today, over 90% of Chinese universities have established management or business schools, totaling nearly 800 institutions.

He emphasised that the sustained growth of China’s economy, the surging momentum of Chinese innovation, and the rapid development of a new generation of young faculty in China have together created a formidable force in management education. These factors, intertwined with vast market demand and a rich supply of high-quality educational resources, have opened up vast potential for the development of EMBA and MBA programmes in China.

Prof. Lu advocated for systemic reform, urging a move away from outdated models that focus solely on research papers towards new evaluation standards that are closely aligned with real-world challenges. “The core of business school education,” he asserted, “must integrate industry practice with a mission to serve society.” He further called for more flexible educational strategies to invigorate a new ecosystem for management education.

This was followed by the first panel discussion of the day moderated by CEIBS Professor of Economics, Associate Dean, and Director of GEMBA Programme Bala Ramasamy. Based on the topic “How are China’s Leading Employers Shifting their Expectations for Working Professional Degrees?”, the panellists were Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Communications of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (China) Cai Yingling, Head of People & Culture for Asia Pacific of Siemens Healthineers Li Jingqi, General Manager of New Business Development of Talent Solutions at LinkedIn Zhang Fei, and Senior Global Operations Director of Trip.com Group Wang Si discussed evolving corporate demands for executive degrees. Collectively, they argued that as Chinese companies expand globally, employers increasingly seek bold, unconventional talent, calling for business schools to offer specialised programmes tailored toward industry needs and the breaking down of disciplinary barriers.

In a speech titled “Branding for the Future: Navigating Consumer Polarisation, Redefining Strategy”, CEIBS Professor of Marketing, Associate Dean (Research), and Research Area Director of ESG Wang Yajin noted that the trend of consumer polarisation has become a global phenomenon. Using well-known brands such as MINISO and VIVO as examples, she pointed out that the high-end and low-end market segments are expanding rapidly, while the middle market is increasingly being squeezed out.

In the high-end market, Prof. Wang emphasised that brands must centre themselves around their customers, develop a deep understanding of consumer needs, and win market share by delivering unique value proposition and exceptional experiences. In the low-end segment, on the other hand, success hinges on delivering extreme price performance, fostering differentiation, and building barriers to entry to avoid homogenised competition and secure growth opportunities.

Technological advances, she noted, have driven customer channel-switching costs towards near zero. Brands must therefore integrate multiple scenarios to trigger consumption and shift from one-way communication to interactive co-creation.

“This necessitates a fundamental paradigm shift from B2B to truly customer-centric (C2B) business logic,” Prof. Wang said. “Depth of consumer understanding, quality of engagement, and resilience of long-term relationships will distinguish brands capable of sustainable, cyclical growth,” she concluded.

The following panel, moderated by Managing Editor of WhichMBA.net Zhao Ying, explored the disruptive power of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and Key Opinion Consumers (KOCs). Featuring Ji Weijia, Chief Digital Officer of Ogilvy China, Zhao Linghui, author and digital marketing strategy expert, and Zhao Yi, CEO of Yingxiang Network Technology and ex-founding member of Rednote, the discussion highlighted unique Chinese digital marketing practices. Panellists emphasised that content creation must relate directly to its audience, build a compelling persona, and share genuine experiences. Only in this way can brands stand out amid a rising tide of competition in digital marketing.

On the second day of the summit, CEIBS President Emeritus and Distinguished Professor of Marketing Dipak Jain then delivered a keynote on “The Future Insights for Executive Education”. Drawing on his extensive experience, Prof. Jain pointed out that the development of MBA programmes reflects a broader evolution in educational philosophy. In their early days, programmes emphasised business relevance, using case studies based on real-world examples to foster practical insight. Later, focus shifted toward academic excellence, with analytical models and rigorous reasoning strengthening theoretical depth. Entering the 21st century, a growing emphasis on social impact has become the prevailing trend, prompting business schools to integrate business ethics and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles into experiential learning, with the aim of cultivating well-rounded future business leaders.

Prof. Jain observed that in executive degree education, interaction between students and faculty not only expands the boundaries of knowledge but also fuels the development of innovative thinking.

Looking ahead, he emphasised that business education must focus on nurturing students’ capacity for innovation, cross-cultural communication skills, and ability to lead sustainably to meet the challenges of the era.

Following this, a third panel discussion was moderated by the Director of National University of Singapore (NUS) MBA Programme Nicole Tee, featuring Associate Dean of the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University Ma Li, Assistant Dean of Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance Ni Haiying, Head of Executive Education Department of Fudan School of Management Paul Shao, and Associate Director of CKGSB MBA Department Zhang Weichao on the topic of “Rapid External Market Changes and Impact on Programme Design”. Drawing on their institutions’ experiences and market research data, they shared innovative practices in curriculum design aimed at addressing external market shifts.

Focusing on the “AI and the Impact of Technology on Education”, the fourth panel featured President of Zhaopin.com and Co-founder of VIPKID Zhang Yuejia, Chief Strategy Officer of Tezign and Vice Chair of the AI and Business Innovation Research Fund Ren Yuan, Founder of Global EduMind AI and former technology expert at Oracle and Microsoft Zhang Ying, and Founder of Meipian and former senior executive at Huawei Tang Qi. Moderated by Head of Marketing and Admissions for Chinese EMBA Programme at NUS Xiang Jing, the discussion featured insights into the opportunities and challenges AI presents for the education sector based on their diverse experiences applying AI across industries.

The event concluded with a final panel discussion focusing on “Challenges in Higher Education”, moderated by Mr. Desiderio. The session featured American President and Executive Vice Chancellor of Duke Kunshan University John A. Quelch, Acting Dean of the HKUST Business School Kai-Lung Hui, and Dean and Honorary Professor at the Asian Business School Joseph Cherian.

Drawing on their extensive experience and influence in international business education, the three distinguished leaders shared perspectives on cultivating senior executives with a global mindset, innovative thinking, and a strong sense of social responsibility in a rapidly changing business landscape.

Originally published by CEIBS.

The P&G Centre of Sustainable Smallowners (CSS), at the Asia School of Business, in collaboration with MIT Sloan, announced the release of the CSS Impact Report 2025.

This marks five years of progress in empowering independent smallholders and strengthening their role in Malaysia’s palm oil sector, while also aligning with their commitment to global sustainability.

The P&G smallholders programme is a collaboration between the Asia School of Business, Procter and Gamble Company (P&G) and Temasek Foundation.

Globally, smallholders contribute over 40 per cent of the world’s palm oil supply, yet they often face exclusion from formal supply chains due to barriers in certification, traceability, and access to knowledge.

In Malaysia, independent smallholders account for 17 per cent of palm oil producers, and their inclusion is critical not only to national economic resilience but also for global climate, food security, and ESG goals.

P&G Chemicals sustainability programme director Francis Wiederkehr shared, “At the heart of the 2025 report are stories of resilience and transformation. These personal journeys highlight how knowledge, support, and inclusion can unlock leadership and generational change.”

“This report highlights how consistent support and collaboration can help smallholders build more resilient livelihoods while adopting better practices.

“We are pleased to support an approach that not only uplifts smallholders, but also contributes to reducing the two environmental impact of palm oil production in the long term,” said Heng Li Lang, Head, Climate & Liveability, Temasek Foundation.

The Asia School of Business Chief Executive Officer, President, Dean and Professor Joe Cherian noted that, “This year’s report once again underlines the importance of academic industry collaboration and shared responsibility in uplifting underserved communities.

“It demonstrates how certification – whether RSPO or national sustainability standards – can promote both genuine environmental stewardship and economic resilience among smallholders.

“We are pleased that this long-standing collaboration between Asia School of Business, P&G and Temasek Foundation continues to deliver high impact outcomes.”

Malaysia is the world’s secondlargest producer of palm oil, with over 275,000 independent smallholder farmers contributing to the industry.

Unlike organised smallholders, these independent farmers typically manage smaller plots of land and have limited access to knowledge, technology, and guidance.

Originally published by The Borneo Post.

KUALA LUMPUR 9 Julai – Seramai 892 pekebun kecil bebas berjaya sijil RSPO (Rundingan Meja Bulat Minyak Sawit Mampan) dengan sebahagian daripada mereka mencatat purata peningkatan hasil sebanyak 20% hingga 25% dalam tempoh dua hingga tiga tahun dan sehungga 35% dalam tempah tiga hingga empat tahun.

Pencapaian itu adalah hasil pelaksanaan Program Pekebun Kecil P&G yang dinyatakan dalam Laporan Impak Lestari (CSS) 2025 yang diterbitkan oleh Asia School of Business dengan kerjasama MIT Sloan baru-baru ini.

Menurut laporan itu, seramai 407 pekebun kecil bertauliah telah menerima premium berkaitan kelestarian sebanyak AS$68,175 dari tahun 2021 hingga 2024.

“Program itu juga berjaya memperkasakan komuniti di Johor melalui penubuhan dan sokongan kepada PERTANIAGA iaitu persatuan yang dipimpin oleh pekebun kecil bebas yang kini mempunyai seramai 892 ahli, dengan 38% daripada barisan kepimpinannya terdiri daripada wanita.

“Persatuan itu kini menjadi model untuk tadbir urus inklusif dan berkesan di peringkat akar umbi,” menurut laporan tersebut.

Kecemerlangan yang berjaya dicapai melalui program tersebut juga melibatkan kelestarian alam sekitar melalui pengurusan sisa, pemantauan tanah gambut dan penjejakan bahan kimia yang mampan.

Selain itu, program CSS turut menyokong lebih 1,100 ladang dalam melaksanakan Amalan Pertanian Baik yang selari dengan dasar RSPO dan NDPE.

Laporan itu memaklumkan sebanyak 1,106 ladang bertauliah telah dijejaki dan disahkan melalui program tersebut sekali gus meningkatkan ketelusan dan mempersiapkan pekebun kecil untuk mematuhi peraturan global seperti Peraturan Penebangan Hutan Kesatuan Eropah (EUDR).

Program Pekebun Kecil P&G adalah kerjasama antara Asia School of Business, syarikat Procter & Gamble (P&G) dan Yayasan Temasek.

Ia bertujuan mempromosikan Amalan Pertanian Baik dan Mampan, serta menyokong pengeluaran minyak sawit mampan yang diperakui dalam kalangan pekebun kecil bebas di Malaysia.

Ketua Program Iklim & Kehidupan Lestari, Yayasan Temasek, Heng Li Lang berkata, laporan itu membuktikan kepentingan sokongan dan kerjasama berterusan dalam membantu pekebun kecil membina sumber pendapatan yang lebih berdaya tahan dengan amalan pertanian yang lebih baik.

“Kami berbesar hati kerana dapat menyokong pendekatan yang bukan sahaja mengangkat martabat pekebun kecil, malah turut mengurangkan kesan pengeluaran minyak sawit terhadap alam sekitar dalam jangka masa panjang,” katanya.

Sementara itu, Presiden, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif & Dekan Asia School of Business, Professor Joe Cherian berkata, laporan itu memberi penekanan terhadap kepentingan kerjasama antara institusi akademik dan industri dalam usaha mengangkat martabat komuniti yang kurang mendapat perhatian.

“Ia menunjukkan bagaimana pensijilan, sama ada RSPO atau standard kemampanan negara berupaya memupuk perlindungan alam sekitar dan memacu ketahanan ekonomi yang tulen dalam kalangan pekebun kecil.

“Kami berbesar hati dengan kerjasama antara Asia School of Business, P&G dan Yayasan Temasek yang telah terjalin sejak sekian lama dan berjaya mencapai kejayaan yang berimpak tinggi.

“Kami tidak sekadar memfokuskan kepada aspek pensijilan, malah turut meraikan perubahan sebenar yang dibawa kepada kehidupan dan komuniti pekebun kecil,” katanya.

Dalam pada itu, Pengarah CSS, Professor Asad Ata pula berkata, laporan tahun ini menunjukkan bahawa impak pensijilan tidak hanya melibatkan pekebun kecil sahaja, tetapi turut melibatkan keluarga, komuniti, dan alam sekitar mereka.

“Pekebun kami kini menjadi jurucakap kepada Amalan Pertanian Baik dan Mampan, daripada pengurusan sisa dan tanah gambut, hinggalah kepada pengurusan nutrien tanah yang lebih baik mengikut kitaran penanaman masing masing.

“Kami bercadang mahu mengembangkan model inklusif ini ke seluruh kawasan lain di Malaysia, dengan kerjasama rakan penganjur dan penaja yang berkongsi matlamat serupa,” katanya.

Malaysia adalah negara pengeluar minyak sawit kedua terbesar di dunia dengan lebih 275,000 pekebun kecil bebas yang turut menyumbang kepada industri tersebut.

Berbeza dengan pekebun kecil tersusun, pekebun kecil bebas mengurus ladang kecil secara individu dan mempunyai akses yang terhad kepada ilmu pengetahuan, teknologi dan bimbingan.

Laporan Impak CSS 2025 yang penuh boleh diakses di sini.

Originally published by DagangNews.

The P&G Center of Sustainable Small-owners (CSS), has released its Impact Report 2025, marking five years of sustained progress in empowering Malaysia’s independent smallholders and promoting sustainable palm oil practices.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, the CCS is at the Asia School of Business, established in collaboration with MIT Sloan, which aims to elevate smallholder livelihoods while driving sustainable palm oil production through Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), certification, and innovation.

Globally, smallholders produce over 40% of the world’s palm oil, yet remain underrepresented in formal supply chains due to barriers in certification and access to knowledge.

In Malaysia, where independent smallholders account for 17% of producers, their inclusion is critical to national sustainability, economic resilience, and global ESG objectives.

Structured around five key pillars—Community Empowerment, Livelihood Improvement, Environmental Sustainability, Sourcing Responsibly, and Thought Leadership—the CSS programme has achieved significant outcomes. To date, 892 smallholders have attained RSPO certification.

Many have seen yield increases of up to 25% within three years, and as much as 35% within four. A total of 407 certified farmers have collectively earned USD68,175 in sustainability-linked premiums between 2021 and 2024.

On the community front, the CSS-backed formation of PERTANIAGA, a farmer-led association in Johor, has empowered 892 members, with women occupying 38% of leadership roles.

In terms of environmental impact, over 1,100 farms have adopted Good Agricultural Practices aligned with RSPO and NDPE guidelines, particularly in waste and chemical management.

The programme has also made strides in digital traceability. More than 1,100 certified farms have been verified, laying the groundwork for compliance with global regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). CSS is currently developing a mobile application to track sustainability efforts at the plantation level, in collaboration with local collection centres.

In addition to practical outcomes, CSS contributes to the global palm oil discourse through research, publications, and training. Over 3,145 farmers have been trained in Good Agricultural Practices. Two practical guides have also been published to support wider adoption of sustainable methods.

Francis Wiederkehr, Sustainability Program Director at P&G Chemicals, highlighted the human stories behind the impact: “From Encik Rosli, a marathon-running farmer beating yield averages, to Puan Hamisah, a retired civil servant advocating for women in agriculture—these stories reflect real transformation.”

Temasek Foundation’s Head of Climate & Liveability, Heng Li Lang, noted, “This report demonstrates how consistent support uplifts livelihoods while reducing the environmental footprint of palm oil.”

Asia School of Business President Professor Joe Cherian underscored the importance of academic-industry partnerships in enabling real change. CSS Director Professor Asad Ata added, “We celebrate certificates, but more importantly, the change they unlock in families, communities, and ecosystems.”

Malaysia, the world’s second-largest palm oil producer, has over 275,000 independent smallholders. The CSS model aims to scale its impact nationwide, creating a more inclusive, sustainable future for the palm oil industry.

Read the full report: HERE.

Originally published by Energy Asia.

The Centre of Sustainable Small-owners (CSS), a collaboration between the Asia School of Business, Procter & Gamble (P&G), and the Temasek Foundation, has released its CSS Impact Report 2025, highlighting five years of transformative work supporting independent smallholders in Malaysia’s palm oil industry.

Based in Kuala Lumpur, Asia School of Business, established in collaboration with MIT Sloan, is home to the Centre for Sustainable Small-owners (CSS), which aims to elevate smallholder livelihoods while driving sustainable palm oil production through Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), certification, and innovation.

The programme’s progress aligns with broader global environmental and social sustainability goals.

Smallholders contribute over 40% of the world’s palm oil supply, yet they often remain excluded from formal supply chains due to barriers such as lack of certification, limited traceability, and restricted access to training and resources.

In Malaysia, independent smallholders make up around 17% of palm oil producers and represent a critical, yet often overlooked, link in the supply chain. The CSS programme targets this group, turning policy intentions into tangible impact at the grassroots level across five key pillars: Community Empowerment, Livelihood Improvement, Environmental Sustainability, Responsible Sourcing, and Thought Leadership & Advocacy.

To date, 892 smallholders have been RSPO-certified, with some achieving yield improvements of 20%–25% over two to three years, and up to 35% over four years. A total of 407 certified smallholders received US$68,175 in sustainability-linked premiums between 2021 and 2024.

The programme has also helped establish and grow PERTANIAGA, an independent smallholder-led association in Johor that now boasts 892 members—38% of whom are women in leadership roles—fostering inclusive and effective governance at the local level. Over 1,100 farms have adopted sustainable practices including waste management, chemical tracking, and peatland monitoring in line with RSPO and NDPE policies.

In advancing traceability and compliance with global regulations such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), 1,106 certified farms have been digitally traced and verified. CSS is also developing a traceability app to further track farm-level data in collaboration with regional collection centres.

On the knowledge front, the Centre has trained over 3,145 farmers in sustainable practices and published two practical guides to support smallholder education. These tools, grounded in the Centre’s research, contribute meaningfully to the global knowledge base on smallholder-led sustainable agriculture.

Behind these statistics are powerful stories of resilience. Encik Rosli, a marathon-running farmer, has outpaced national yield averages, while Puan Hamisah, a retired civil servant, now champions the role of women in sustainable agriculture.

“These journeys show how access to knowledge, support and inclusion can empower leadership and bring about generational change,” said Francis Wiederkehr, Sustainability Programme Director at P&G Chemicals.

Heng Li Lang, Head of Climate & Liveability at Temasek Foundation, added, “We are proud to support an initiative that uplifts smallholders while contributing to a more sustainable palm oil ecosystem.”

Professor Joe Cherian, CEO and Dean of the Asia School of Business, underscored the value of academic-industry partnerships. “This report reaffirms the importance of shared responsibility in building resilient communities.

“Certification—whether RSPO or aligned with national standards—can serve as a vehicle for both environmental stewardship and economic growth.”

Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Asad Ata, Director of CSS, said, “We celebrate certificates, but more importantly, we celebrate the change they unlock for lives and communities. Our farmers are now the advocates, taking the lead in practices like waste and nutrient management within their communities. We aim to scale this inclusive model across Malaysia with support from aligned partners.”

Malaysia, as the world’s second-largest producer of palm oil, is home to over 275,000 independent smallholders. Unlike organised smallholders under government or estate schemes, these farmers often operate on small plots with limited access to institutional support.

The CSS programme continues to bridge that gap—ensuring that even the smallest contributors can play a leading role in making Malaysia’s palm oil sector more sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready.

The full CSS Impact Report 2025 is available at this link.

Originally published by SME.Asia.

この記事の3つのポイント

アジアの高等教育機関は柔軟性を中心原則とすべきだ
高齢化と不確実性の元で生まれる学習ニーズに応えよ
アジャイルな生涯教育の実現で日本とアジアは共に変革を

マレーシアから日本にいたるアジアの高等教育制度は、なぜ欧米の高等教育制度と違っているのだろうか。アジアの高等教育制度は、欧米と同様、柔軟性を中心原則にすべきだ。これは経済・金融用語で言う、「オプション」を所持することに似ている。

　つまり不確実性が解消された時点で、オプションの所有者に意思決定の権利を与えるものだ。この考え方は、不確実性の下における戦略的な意思決定と強く共鳴する。そして日本の科学、工学技術、および政策コミュニティーでは既に高く尊重され、理解されている領域でもある。

教育の柔軟性は、厳格な締め切り、画一的な評価、および固定された時間的または地理的構造の制約を取り除くことで、学習行程を拡充し、その長期的価値を増大させる。この制約がないことで、学問的かつ専門的な道筋や進歩が、個々人のペースや目的によって導かれ、どの進路もそれぞれ独自の到達点へとつながっていくのである。

　経済学で言えば、この概念は「パレート効率フロンティア（Pareto efficiency frontier）」に近い考え方だ。リソースと機会が割り当てられ、全体として最も効率的なポイントでトレードオフすることになる。

　柔軟性は、職歴、投資、および政策形成を含む、生活の多くの領域で、固有の価値をもっている。その一つの重要な理由は、不確実性がわれわれの未来を形作るということである。不確実性が、世界経済の予測、円の交換率、もしくは予期せぬ人生の出来事の見込みのいずれに関わることであっても、結果を予測するわれわれの能力は、本質的に限られている。

　予測不可能ということは、日本では特に実際的な意味をもっている。人口統計学的な変化、労働力不足、急速な技術の発展は、伝統的なキャリアパスの見直しを迫り、そしてその延長として、教育モデルの再評価を促している。

日本人は生涯学習が経済的に必要

人口のほぼ29パーセントが65歳以上で、就労年齢人口も減少する中、日本では、生涯学習はもはや任意の選択ではなく、経済的に必要なものになっている。ロボット工学、高齢者介護、グリーン・テクノロジー（環境保全技術）、およびサイバーセキュリティーのような高度成長部門は、すべて大規模な技能の再習得を必要としているが、日本の今の高等教育は、その厳格なスケジュールと学際的な選択肢が制限されていることで、ニーズをうまくサポートできていない。

　同時に、雇用状況も変化しつつある。企業はハイブリッド勤務計画、デジタル雇用の基盤、社内人材の流動性をより強調している。従業員、特に若い世代は、より多くの柔軟性、継続的な成長、およびより良い仕事と生活の統合を提供する職歴を求めている。

　日本における伝統的な雇用は、長い間一つの組織で生涯役割を果たすことを意味したが、この変化は顕著だ。教育機関は、こうした専門が深まりかつ個人的なニーズを反映する学習経路を提供することによって、対応しなければならない。

　日本は、要素で切り分ける学習カリキュラムと成人教育を通して、柔軟性のある学習を促進し始めているが、非伝統的な学生の参加は低いままである。学部生のうち25歳以上の占める比率は米国の16％に対し、日本では2％未満にとどまっている。

　高等教育制度の入学者のうち女性は49％を構成するが、経済協力開発機構（OECD）平均の56％を下回っており、さらにSTEM（科学・技術・工学・数学）分野に進むのは女性のうち7％にすぎない。

Read the full article HERE.
Originally published by Nikkei Asia.

Oleh Dr. Pieter E. Stek dan Dr. Asad Ata

Peraturan Pembasmian Hutan Kesatuan Eropah (EUDR) dan implikasinya terhadap minyak sawit Malaysia telah mencetuskan perdebatan hangat.

Daripada menyebelahi mana-mana pihak, adalah lebih produktif untuk menilai isu ini dari sudut penetapan piawaian.

Malaysia mempunyai sejarah yang panjang dalam membangunkan piawaian kelestarian sendiri untuk minyak sawit, dan menggabungkan pendekatan inovatif ini ke dalam EUDR boleh membuka jalan kepada strategi pelaksanaan yang kolaboratif dan saling menguntungkan.

Penetapan piawaian jarang mendapat perhatian umum, namun kesannya sangat meluas. Piawaian mengurangkan kos transaksi, mengukuhkan kepercayaan antara pembeli, dan mewujudkan padang permainan yang adil untuk

Ia memacu inovasi teknologi dan menyebarkan amalan terbaik. Lihat sahaja piawaian HACCP yang memastikan keselamatan makanan, piawaian emisi Euro 5 yang mengawal pencemaran kenderaan di Malaysia, atau pensijilan ISO yang menetapkan penanda aras dalam pelbagai industri.

Walaupun tidak sempurna, piawaian lazimnya mendorong kepada kecekapan dan pertumbuhan ekonomi.

Namun, proses penciptaan dan pelaksanaan piawaian tidaklah seobjektif yang disangka. Ia sering dikawal oleh sekumpulan kecil pakar teknikal yang keputusannya mungkin dipengaruhi oleh pemikiran berkumpulan atau pertimbangan politik.

Walaupun berpaksikan sains, piawaian juga dibentuk oleh dinamik kuasa kerana negara-negara memperjuangkan piawaian yang menguntungkan industri masing-masing.

Akibat tidak sengaja, khususnya terhadap golongan terpinggir, sering timbul daripada piawaian yang kelihatan baik niatnya.

EUDR ialah satu contoh yang relevan. Peraturan ini, yang kelihatan mudah, bertujuan menangani perubahan iklim dengan mengharamkan import barangan yang dikaitkan dengan penebangan hutan.

Niatnya murni: menangani punca ekonomi penebangan hutan. Namun, pelaksanaannya berisiko mengenepikan pekebun kecil di Malaysia yang memainkan peranan penting dalam rantaian bekalan minyak sawit negara.

Nasib Pekebun Kecil

Sektor minyak sawit Malaysia melibatkan kira-kira 250,000 pekebun kecil bebas. Rantaian bekalan mereka beroperasi melalui lapisan peraih yang mengumpulkan buah daripada pelbagai pekebun untuk dibekalkan ke kilang.

Sistem ini, walaupun dinamik, meluas dan sebahagian besarnya tidak formal, seringkali tidak telus.

Peraih mengutamakan kerahsiaan komersial, menyukarkan pengesanan sumber. Walaupun ladang besar boleh menunjukkan pematuhan kepada EUDR dengan lebih mudah, pekebun kecil menghadapi pelbagai halangan, meskipun mereka tidak secara langsung menyumbang kepada penebangan hutan.

Penyelidikan menunjukkan bahawa kebanyakan pekebun kecil tidak meluaskan tanah ke kawasan yang baru ditebang hutan, dan mereka sering mengurus tanah dengan kepelbagaian biologi yang lebih tinggi berbanding ladang berskala besar.

Namun, mereka bergelut dengan penyimpanan rekod dan pelaporan, terutamanya di kawasan pedalaman yang kurang akses kepada teknologi dan pendidikan.

Akibat tidak langsung EUDR adalah jelas: pekebun kecil berisiko disisihkan daripada rantaian bekalan bukan kerana pencemaran alam sekitar, tetapi disebabkan halangan sistemik.

Pensijilan MSPO

Menyedari keperluan kepada kelestarian yang inklusif, Malaysia memperkenalkan pensijilan Minyak Sawit Mampan Malaysia (MSPO) pada tahun 2015.

Tidak seperti piawaian Meja Bulat Minyak Sawit Lestari (RSPO) yang lebih ketat, MSPO direka bentuk agar boleh dicapai oleh pengeluar tempatan, terutamanya pekebun kecil.

Salah satu inovasi utama MSPO ialah pendekatan wilayah (territorial) terhadap pensijilan, dengan membahagikan negara kepada 162 Kluster Minyak Sawit Mampan (SPOC).

Setiap kluster mempunyai Sistem Kawalan Dalaman (ICS) untuk memantau dan menyokong pekebun kecil dalam kluster tersebut dan dikendalikan oleh Pengurus Kumpulan yang juga pegawai Tunjuk Ajar Nasihat Sawit (TUNAS), yang membantu petani mengamalkan amalan mampan.

Model ini mengalihkan fokus daripada pematuhan kepada pembangunan keupayaan. Secara prinsipnya, sistem SPOC juga boleh digunakan untuk memantau penebangan hutan, dan seterusnya membentuk laluan pematuhan kepada EUDR.

Sistem SPOC menyediakan rangka kerja yang inklusif, mengutamakan pendidikan dan penambahbaikan berperingkat berbanding pengasingan. Ia mengiktiraf bahawa kelestarian adalah satu perjalanan, bukan status binari.

Bagi pekebun kecil, pendekatan ini menawarkan laluan pensijilan yang lebih mudah tanpa menjejaskan mata pencarian mereka.

Pendekatan Wilayah yang Saksama

Malaysia harus memperjuangkan pendekatan wilayah, seperti SPOC, ketika merundingkan pelaksanaan EUDR. Dengan pendekatan wilayah bagi kawasan berisiko rendah dengan penebangan hutan minimum, pekebun kecil boleh dianggap patuh secara automatik.

Pendekatan wilayah ini munasabah berdasarkan struktur geografi penanaman sawit. Kilang minyak sawit hanya menerima buah dalam radius pengangkutan tertentu, kerana buah sawit perlu diproses dalam masa 24 jam.

Demi kepraktisan dan ekonomi, pengangkutan lebih daripada 50 hingga 100 km biasanya tidak berdaya maju, bergantung kepada kualiti infrastruktur.

Ini bermakna kilang yang jauh daripada kawasan penebangan hutan tidak mungkin menerima buah dari sumber tidak mampan. Pemantauan elektronik tambahan di jalan utama juga boleh mengelakkan kemungkinan berlakunya ketirisan.

Bagi kawasan berisiko tinggi atau pengeluar besar, model hibrid boleh dilaksanakan. Kawalan tambahan dan penyimpanan rekod akan dikenakan di mana perlu, dengan ancaman sekatan menyeluruh kawasan bertindak sebagai pencegah terhadap penebangan hutan haram.

Pendekatan setempat ini mengimbangi matlamat alam sekitar EUDR dengan realiti ekonomi petani kecil.

Pendekatan wilayah juga membuka peluang kolaborasi. Dengan membenarkan rundingan semula dan pengawalseliaan bersama, EUDR boleh menggabungkan kepakaran tempatan dan menangani cabaran di lapangan.

Sistem SPOC Malaysia sudah pun menawarkan rangka kerja berskala untuk pemantauan penebangan hutan dan pengesanan sumber. Dengan memanfaatkan infrastruktur sedia ada ini, EU boleh memastikan pematuhan tanpa menghukum pekebun kecil secara tidak seimbang.

Pengkritik mungkin berhujah bahawa pendekatan wilayah mengurangkan kebertanggungjawaban dan boleh mewujudkan gangguan pasaran. Namun, kebimbangan ini boleh ditangani melalui strategi berfasa.

Dari masa ke masa, sistem boleh beralih kepada pengesanan di peringkat ladang apabila teknologi dan keupayaan petani meningkat. Model hibrid ini memastikan tindakan segera sambil membina asas untuk kelestarian jangka panjang.

Yang penting, pematuhan wilayah mengiktiraf tanggungjawab bersama antara pengawal selia dan pengeluar. Ia selari dengan prinsip inklusiviti dan kesaksamaan, memastikan golongan terpinggir tidak terbeban secara tidak adil oleh piawaian yang direka di koridor birokrasi yang jauh.

Matlamat anti-penebangan hutan EUDR adalah terpuji, tetapi pelaksanaannya mesti disesuaikan dengan konteks tempatan yang pelbagai. Sistem SPOC Malaysia di bawah MSPO menawarkan rangka kerja kawal selia yang realistik.

Malaysianisasi EUDR

Dengan menerima pendekatan “Malaysianisasi” terhadap EUDR, EU boleh mengimbangi matlamat alam sekitar dengan pertimbangan praktikal, memastikan pekebun kecil kekal dalam rantaian bekalan global yang mampan.

Akhirnya, pendekatan berteraskan tempatan bukan sahaja mewujudkan piawaian yang lebih adil; ia juga memupuk kerjasama sebenar, mendorong pematuhan yang bermakna, dan menyokong kelestarian jangka panjang.

Pendekatan ini menunjukkan bagaimana penetapan piawaian boleh melangkaui kepakaran teknikal dan politik kuasa untuk mencipta penyelesaian yang benar-benar adil dan berkesan.

Dalam dunia yang saling berkait, kelestarian mestilah menjadi usaha bersama yang menghormati realiti tempatan sambil berusaha ke arah impak global. Malaysianisasi EUDR bukan sekadar seruan untuk peraturan yang lebih baik; ia adalah seruan untuk pendekatan kelestarian yang lebih inklusif dan saksama

Originally published by Bernama.

The Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 anti-corruption rally held this past weekend, with the slogan Madani Pelindung Rasuah Sabah, ended with the burning of PM Anwar’s caricature to rebuke his administration. With the event and its organizers being investigated, we talk to Ariff Adi Putera Anwar, Research Associate from the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) about the situation and for insight into Sabah’s political culture.

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